RE: “For all other authority is derived and developed out of the authority of parents.”

The Bible says that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1 ESV).

That verse says “from God” and “instituted by God,” not “derived and developed.” (See also Dan. 2:21, Dan. 4:17, John 19:11, 1 Peter 2:14.) Isn’t that a significant difference in meaning — the difference between establishing government authority from above or somehow “deriving” it from the authority of parents?

For someone to “derive and develop” a concept or idea requires thought and effort over time. But God himself created time and can establish what he pleases in a moment, with only a word.

For parents to love their God-given children well, the parents must exercise authority. For governments to use their God-given authority well, government officials must exercise love.

Within the church, God has “composed the body” (1 Cor. 12:24) and “appointed” leadership (1 Cor. 12:28), and the Holy Spirit “apportions to each one individually as he wills” (1 Cor. 12:11). He does not “derive and develop” the head from the foot.

(And isn’t there a hierarchy of authority among the angels? Are any of them parents?)